Summary
Concentrations of lead in the bodies of roadside invertebrates were generally below 50 p.p.m., but reached nearly 700 p.p.m. in woodlice (Isopoda). Lead levels in tissues of small mammals caught on roadside verges did not exceed 30 p.p.m., and were thus less than the levels found in many of their prey. No evidence was found of decreases in abundance of invertebrates with increasing levels of lead in soil and vegetation close to roads.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.References
Warren, H.V. and Delavault, R.E., Trans. Roy. Soc. Canada. Sect. IV, 54, 11 (1960)
Kloke, A. and Riebartsch, K., Naturwiss., 51, 367 (1964)
Cholak, J., Schaffer, L.J. and Yeager, D., Amer. Ind. Hyg. Ass. J. 29, 562 (1968).
Motto, H.L., Daines, R.H., Chilko, D.M. and Motto, C.K., Environ.Sci.Tech., 4, 231 (1970).
Cannon, H.L. and Bowles, J.M., Science 137, 765 (1962)
Ruhling, A. and Tyler, G., Bot.Notiser, 121, 321 (1968)
Chow, T.J. Nature 225, 295 (1970)
Maclean, A.J., Halstead, R.L. and Finn, B.J., Can. J. Soil. Sci., 49, 327 (1969)
Ter Haar, G. L., Environ. Sci.Tech., 4, 226 (1970)
Lagerwerff, J.V., Soil Sci., 3, 129 (1971)
Mitchell, R.L. and Reith, J.W.S., J. Sci. Food Agric., 17, 437 (1966)
Briggs, J.B., Rep. E. Malling Res. Stn. p. 108 (1960)
Jefferies, D.J. and French, M.C., Environ. Pollution (in press, 1972)
Richards, A.G., The Integument of Arthropods (1951) Univ. of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Williamson, P., Evans, P.R. Lead: Levels in roadside invertebrates and small mammals. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 8, 280–288 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01684557
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01684557